Campbell River Athletic Association’s Nolan Young, 12, has arrived home from a solid performance in Young Canada Rugby’s U13/U14 Tour to Bermuda.
The roster of 23 athletes from both east and west of the country were split into two U13 squads and one U14.
Young scored the first try for his U13 team against Warwick Academy of Hamilton, Bermuda in the U13 teams’ opening win. The team went on to a record of 2-1-1 in 7-aside rugby facing other school and representative sides from the Caribbean country. All three Canadian squads faced much bigger opponents but capitalized on speed, decision making and assisted tackles to succeed against the Bermudians. Rugby Canada’s representative of North America and Caribbean Rugby Association, Rick Bourne, organized the tour to promote youth rugby development, goodwill, and camaraderie in the two nations and plans are in the works to continue the format and include more member countries next year.
“Nolan received the crash course on the unique joys of rugby this past week,” said his mom Erin Young, Campbell River Athletic Association Youth Co-ordinator. “He met new teammates, travelled to a new country and experienced its people and culture, faced off with tough opposition but in rugby, you leave that on the field and are mates after. Much of the off field events were done with the host teams.”
The Campbell River Athletic Association is currently running Saturday rugby trainings at 10 a.m. for boys and girls ages 7-13 at Georgia Park school. They play host to other Vancouver Island rugby clubs on April 21 at Willow Point Park. New athletes are always welcome. For more information contact Erin at 250-202-7642. There is also Touch Rugby at Carihi on Tuesdays, 6-7 p.m., for adults and teens.
